Madeleine McCann’s parents appeal for answers on 15th anniversary of her disappearance

"Many people talk about the need for 'closure'. It's always felt a strange term. Regardless of outcome, Madeleine will always be our daughter and a truly horrific crime has been committed. These things will remain.

"It is true though that uncertainty creates weakness; knowledge and certainty give strength, and for this reason our need for answers, for the truth, is essential."

They went on to thank the UK, German and Portuguese authorities for their ongoing work, and their supporters for "their continued good wishes." https://www.facebook.com/Official.Find.Madeleine.Campaign/posts/10159764979914931   In 2013, the Metropolitan Police launched its own investigation into Madeleine's disappearance, called Operation Grange. Detective Chief Inspector Mark Cranwell from the Metropolitan Police, the leader of Operation Grange, said on Tuesday: “Fifteen years on from Madeleine’s disappearance in Praia Da Luz our thoughts, as always, are with her family. “Officers continue to investigate the case and our dedicated team are still working closely with law enforcement colleagues from the Portuguese Policia Judiciária as well as the German Bundeskriminalamt. “At this time, the case remains a missing person’s enquiry and all involved are committed to doing what we can to find answers.” Three-year-old Madeleine disappeared during a family holiday in Portugal on May 3 2007, and has never been found. She would be due to turn 19 later this month. Last month, Portuguese authorities declared an official suspect they had identified in the case. Although they did not name the suspect, they said they were acting at the request of German authorities. It is thought the suspect is convicted German paedophile Christian Brueckner, who has been under investigation in connection with Maddie's disappearance since 2020. However, he is yet to be charged for anything to do with her disappearance and claims to have an alibi for the crime.